Political statements on Kinder Morgan’s decision on the Trans Mountain expansion project

“Kinder Morgan announced that it is hitting pause on its plans for spending and construction on the Trans Mountain pipeline until May 31 when it will make a decision about whether or not to move forward with the project. We have until then to demonstrate our opposition to this pipeline.”

Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement regarding Kinder Morgan’s decision to suspend non-essential spending on the Trans Mountain expansion project:

“British Columbians expect their government to stand up for their interests and our coast, and to do everything we can to protect our land and waters, our coastal communities and our local economies.

“The federal process failed to consider B.C.’s interests and the risk to our province. We joined the federal challenge, started by others, to make that point.”

“We believe we need to grow the economy, while protecting the environment. We want to work to address these challenges together. But we will always stand up for British Columbians, our environment and the thousands of jobs that depend on our coast.”

Statement from Leader of the Official Opposition Andrew Wilkinson (BC Liberals)

Leader of the Official Opposition Andrew Wilkinson released the following statement in response to Kinder Morgan’s decision to suspend non-essential spending on the Trans Mountain Pipeline:

“The premier has let his activist environment minister ignore the rule of law as this government picks winners and losers by willfully ignoring the constitution.

“Investors – large and small – interested in our province need to know the provincial government will treat everyone fairly and equally.

“This is a project that has received federal approval and falls under federal jurisdiction, yet the NDP used it to pick a trade war with Alberta and start a confrontation with the federal government.”

Comments

Mr. Wilkinson is fear mongering when he says “trade war.” Also, the BC Premier is not ignoring the rule of law. He is going to the courts to clarify the law. If Kinder Morgan was confident BC will lose in court, they wouldn’t be holding back now. Unless to put pressure on the federal government.

Horgan is stalling any way he can think of ( such as frivolous legal challenge) in the hopes Kinder Morgan will give up and go away. That will save his coalition with the Green and his government. His actions have already started trade action. Will be interesting to see how activists react when they have to pay outrageous gas prices for their cars to get to protests.